Theories of ecological feminism see the patriarchal dominations of women and other social groups as parallel to man's exploitation of "non-human nature". Ecofeminists believe that environmental politics and philosophy are enriched by using gender as a focus, while also appreciating the necessity of an ecological dimension to any form of feminism. This book offers a survey of ecofeminism from a purely philosophical point of view; it is concerned with the conceptual underpinnings of the argumentative support for ecofeminism. The contributors also use the approaches and methodologies of ethics, epistemology, and metaphysics to examine ecology's link with the women's movement. There is not one view of ecofeminism, any more than there is one feminism; Karen Warren has emphasized the importance of acknowledging this, and represents a plurality of views in her collection. The essays in this volume deal with a wide variety of subjects - the essential distinction between the "ecofeminist" and the "ecofeminine", the link between violence and environmental exploitation, feminism as relationship to animal rights, among other topics.

This anthology is the first such collection to focus on the exclusively philosophical aspects of ecological feminism. It addresses basic questions about the conceptual underpinnings of `women-nature' connections, and emphasises the importance of seeing sexism and the exploitation of the environment as parallel forms of domination. Ecological Feminism is enriched by the inclusion of essays which take differing views of the importance and nature of ecofeminism. It will be an invaluable resource for courses on women's studies, environmental studies and philosophy.

..". provides readers with a much-needed cross-cultural and multidisciplinary perspective on ecofeminist activism and scholarship." Iris

..". a very important contribution to the literature on ecological feminism." Ethics

"I think the unique collection of so many different perspectives will help to push readers out of their disciplinary views and work to bring theory and practice together in meaningful ways.... an excellent resource for scholars and teachers..." Teaching Philosophy

Here the potential strengths and weaknesses of the growing ecofeminist movement are critically assessed by scholars in a variety of academic disciplines and vocations, including anthropology, biology, chemical engineering, education, political science, recreation and leisure studies, sociology, and political organizing."

How are the unjustified dominations of women and other humans connected to the unjustified domination of animals and nonhuman nature? What are the characteristics of oppressive conceptual frameworks and systems of unjustified domination? How does an ecofeminist perspective help one understand issues of environmental and social justice? In this important new work, Karen J. Warren answers these and other questions from a Western perspective. Warren looks at the variety of positions in ecofeminism, the distinctive nature of ecofeminist philosophy, ecofeminism as an ecological position, and other aspects of the movement to reveal its significance to both understanding and creatively changing patriarchal (and other) systems of unjustified domination.

How are the unjustified dominations of women and other humans connected to the unjustified domination of animals and nonhuman nature? What are the characteristics of oppressive conceptual frameworks and systems of unjustified domination? How does an ecofeminist perspective help one understand issues of environmental and social justice? In this important new work, Karen J. Warren answers these and other questions from a Western perspective. Warren looks at the variety of positions in ecofeminism, the distinctive nature of ecofeminist philosophy, ecofeminism as an ecological position, and other aspects of the movement to reveal its significance to both understanding and creatively changing patriarchal (and other) systems of unjustified domination.

Here feminist philosophers and ecofeminist scholars pursue the connections between
feminism and environmentalism. Topics include the ecofeminist ethic; the role of
patriarchal concepts in perpetuating the domination of women and nature; the
grassroots origins and character of a thoughtful ecofeminism; the "ecofeminism-deep
ecology debate" in environmental philosophy; deep ecological treatment of animal
rights and the omission of ecofeminist analyses of the domination of animals, abortion, and nuclear deterrence;
and ways ecofeminism and the science of ecology are or could be engaged in complementary, supportive projects.

The contributors are Carol J. Adams, Carol H. Cantrell, Jim Cheney, Chris Cuomo, Deane Curtin, Victoria Davion, Roger J. H. King, Stephanie Lahar, Patricia Jagentowicz Mills, Patrick D. Murphy, Val Plumwood, Catherine Roach, Robert Sessions, Deborah Slicer, and Karen J. Warren.